The biggest disappointment with this set is the lack of a chef’s knife. We longed for the same quality and sharpness all the other knives possessed but in chef’s form. The storage block is also ridiculously wide and tall, making it a no-go for tiny kitchens or those short on counter space. Then there’s the issue that not everyone wants or needs cleavers.
Cuisinart offers a variety of knife block sets, including the Stainless Steel Prep Set and the Triple Rivet Collection with white, black, or walnut handles. Knives in the Stainless Steel Prep Set look have a seamless steel appearance from tip to butt end, similar to Global knives. Each knife is perfectly weighted, precision-made cutting instrument. The blade is forged from a blank of the finest grade German stainless steel then ice-hardened, ground and hand-honed to a razor’s edge. The full-tang handle is inseperably fused to the blade for maximum strength whilst the comfortable, ergonomically designed grip enhances user safety and control.
Preparing a butternut squash isn’t a one-handed job, even with the sharpest of knives. The line on each piece of tape marks the balance point of the knife when pinched between thumb and forefinger. Every knife in this set is premium quality and has the performance to match. Another reviewer sums it up, saying her set of Cuisinart knives has “made cooking so much more enjoyable…”
The Non-stick Edge Collection has stamped stainless steel and high-carbon blades with a soft-grip, anti-slip handle. The blades have a non-stick coating and groove to prevent food from adhering. The Triple Rivet Collection also features gotham steel cookware sets a black handle with silver rivets and a forged stainless steel blade. Although the manufacturer claims these knives are dishwasher safe, hand washing is recommended to avoid rust spots and prolong the sharpness of the blades.
The chart below breaks down the prices of the different Cuisinart collections as well as other brands for comparison. Overall, Cuisinart knives perform as you’d expect low-cost knives to perform. They can certainly get the job done, but they lack heft, cuisinart knife balance, and dull quicker than most brands I’ve tested. If you’re looking for a high-performing, long-lasting knife, you should look elsewhere. The only exceptions are the Graphix and Stainless Steel Prep collection which have hollow steel handles.